Prospective students may not yet be a hundred percent sure which area of study they want to pursue, particularly after finishing school. This is where Skills Courses offer a fantastic opportunity to continue with your academic journey, without having to over-commit.

The demand for flexible and accessible education options continues to grow, as prospective students seek to access the job market or improve their prospects, but without the funds or time required for university study. This has given rise to the popularity of Skills Courses, (also called Short Learning Programmes or SLPs), among individuals who seek to enhance their skills and knowledge without committing to long-term, more traditional education paths.

“Employers today focus strongly on candidates who can demonstrate they have the requisite knowledge and skills to be successful in a specific role. Skills courses enable students to gain specialised skills in a specific field, within a relatively short period of time – between 6 and 12 months – while being able to continue working,” says Siyavuya Makubalo, Marketing Manager at Oxbridge Academy, SA’s leading distance education provider.

“These targeted courses are a great option for prospective students who need to enhance their CVs to improve their career prospects, or master complementary skills if they want to move into a different field,” she says.

Makubalo says Short Learning Programmes are particularly beneficial for those who need flexibility due to work or personal commitments, individuals looking to quickly upskill or reskill in a specific area, and those who prefer a more affordable and time-efficient way to gain new qualifications.

“Whether you’re a working professional aiming to advance your career, a parent balancing family responsibilities, or someone exploring new fields of interest, SLPs offer a tailored, accessible, and practical approach to education,” she says.

Skills courses are also a brilliant solution for school-leavers who are not yet sure what field or career they want to pursue, as it allows them to investigate their options affordably, all while learning new skills that will stand them in good stead down the line, regardless of their ultimate choice of profession.

The fields covered by SLPs are wide-ranging, including:

• Business Management
• Bookkeeping & Accounting
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Supply Chain & Logistics
• Childhood Development
• Project Management

“Prospective students may not yet be a hundred percent sure which area of study they want to pursue, particularly after finishing school. This is where Skills Courses offer a fantastic opportunity to continue with your academic journey, without having to over-commit. At the same time, you continue to upskill quickly and efficiently, gaining specialised knowledge and practical skills that can enhance your career prospects,” says Makubalo.

“Skills Courses allow students to gain a foundational understanding of a subject, allowing you to test the waters and determine if it aligns with your interests and career goals. This approach not only saves time and money but also helps you make informed decisions about your future.”